Dropped Dead Stitch Read Online Free PDF

drown.
    “Excuse me, I’m looking for Lisa,” a woman called as she approached, startling Kelly from her dramatic reverie.
    “She’s inside the room,” Kelly said. Noticing the woman’s short curly dark hair, Kelly added, “Are you Greta? Lisa said you and she were taking classes with Dr. Norcross at the university.”
    “Yeah, I’m Greta Baldwin,” she said, extending her hand. “You must be Kelly.”
    Kelly gave her hand a shake. “Kelly Flynn. You’re helping this weekend, too? Lisa convinced Jennifer and me to help her with the knit and crochet sessions.”
    “I’m teaching self-defense for women,” Greta volunteered. “I teach classes at several of the sport facilities and health centers in town.”
    “Now that sounds like something useful,” Kelly said. “I wouldn’t mind watching your class.”
    Greta smiled wide, her eyes alight. “Sure thing, Kelly. But from what I hear, you don’t need much help protecting yourself. Lisa’s told me about some of your adventures.”
    “Ah, my reputation precedes me.”
    “Hey, Greta, good to see you,” Lisa said as she came from the cabin. “Are they gathering in the classroom already? Have you met everyone yet? I’ve introduced myself to all six so far. Anyone else show up?”
    Greta shook her head. “No, so I guess we have two no-shows. That’s about par for the course, according to Dr. Norcross.”
    “Speaking of that, has she returned yet?” Lisa said, surveying the grounds. “She went for a walk with our friend Jennifer.”
    “They haven’t shown up,” Kelly said. “I’ve been keeping watch. Wait a minute . . . I think that’s them over there, coming from the trees.”
    “Whew! Perfect timing, too.” Lisa glanced at her watch. “Five minutes before class is scheduled to start.”
    “If Jen wants to go back, do you think you’ll be able to handle the yarn session?” Kelly asked as she rose from her perch, anxiously peering across the spring grass, trying to decipher Jennifer’s expression. Her friend was still talking with Dr. Norcross.
    “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine,” Lisa said.
    “Everything okay with your friend?” Greta asked, glancing toward Jennifer.
    “Yeah, they had a little chat, that’s all,” Lisa replied.
    Dr. Norcross gave Jennifer’s arm a squeeze, then walked toward the classroom building in the middle of the complex. Jennifer turned, spotted Kelly and friends gathered on the porch, and headed their way.
    “How’s it going?” Kelly tried to hold back, but as usual she couldn’t.
    “Better,” Jennifer said, giving a little nod. “Dr. Norcross and I talked a lot, and she told me I could choose to do several things. Whatever I decided would be perfectly okay. I had choices. But I needed to be comfortable with my choice.”
    Kelly held her breath, waiting to hear what Jennifer was about to say. Choices .
    Jennifer looked out toward the trees beyond, her hands shoved into her jeans pockets. “She said I could go home now if I wanted to, and that would be fine. Or I could stay and help you guys teach the yarn sessions like we planned. Or, I could stay and do yarn sessions and sit in on the classes she’s leading with the other six women. I wouldn’t have to say anything if I didn’t want to. No one has to speak if they don’t want to.” She paused. “Then she said I could also choose to stay and share my experience with the others. Maybe that would help someone else. It might help them move forward.” Jennifer turned back to Kelly and Lisa. “I’ve decided to stay and share. Maybe my story will help someone else tell theirs.”
    Kelly gazed into her friend’s eyes and fought back the tears that rose unexpectedly in hers. “I’m proud of you, Jen.”
    “Me, too,” Lisa said and gave Jennifer a quick hug.
    “Good for you, Jennifer,” Greta added from behind them, her pale face solemn.
    “And Doctor Norcross promised me I’d be safe here,” Jennifer continued. “She called out Everett